Haunted Stepwell in India: The Chand Baori

Haunted Stepwell in India: The Chand Baori

The Chand Baori Stepwell, Rajasthan

The Chand Baori is an awe-inspiring sight located in a remote part of Rajasthan, India. Some 3,500 stairs flow down 13 stories deep, creating cascades of intricate patterns to appease onlookers. This site, though glorious, is nothing more than a humble stepwell dating back to the 8th or 9th century. Yet, it’s magnificence comes not just from its design, yet its later additions, such as a grand palace.

India's haunted Chand Baori stepwell with Palace.
The magnificent palace built into the Chand Baori Stepwell in India.

Setting the architectural brilliance of the Chand Baori aside for a moment, one can find other reasons to marvel at this stepwell. Not only is this said to be the oldest stepwell of its kind in the world, but it is also said to be the deepest. An impressive feat that has even drawn Hollywood filmmakers to the location to film blockbusters such as The Dark Knight Rises. While the Chand Baori may look beautiful and remain an important piece of Indian history, it also has some rather intriguing dark legends associated with it.

Deepest stepwell in India, the Chand Baori.
The incredible structure and depth of this stepwell is stunning.

Ghost Stories of the Chand Baori

The Chand Baori has gained a reputation throughout India, not just for its beauty, but also for being one of the most haunted places in the country. One of the most widely told legends of the stepwell is that it was built in just one night. If you take one look at this epic structure, you’d know that this would be an impossibility. This legend accounts for this discrepancy by stating that the stepwell was actually built by ghosts. It seems the only plausible explanation for an overnight construction would be to include the supernatural.

One of India's most haunted places, the Chand Baori.
Although the Chand Baori is a beautiful sight, many also claim it to be one of the most haunted places in India.

 

With the Chand Baori’s beginnings being forged in the paranormal, it seems appropriate that one of these beings still lingers at the ancient ruin. It is told that the stepwell, to this day, remains haunted by a Djinn. If you are not familiar with a Djinn, they are also known as Genies and similar to spirits, yet not of a human origin. This particular entity is said to prevent anyone from ascending the stairs of Chand Baori in the same order that they descended them. Some even claim this legend gets as specific to prevent those who enter from ever walking on the same step more than once.

Palace at the haunted Chand Baori Stepwell.
Close up of the details on the palace contained within the stepwell.

While these may sound like tall tales, I actually had my own strange experience while visiting the haunted Chand Baori Stepwell. While taking photographs of the surrounding ruins I noticed a dark shadow person lurking amongst them in the viewfinder of my camera. I made the assumption that this was my husband, calling out to him to get out of my shot. As I did this, the figure moved behind a pillar and my husband responded from behind me, nowhere close to being in my shot. I immediately moved over to the area where I saw this dark figure, yet there was no one in the area. To this day, I am not sure whether I saw something paranormal, or was deceived by a trick of my own eyes. Interestingly, Djinns are described in folklore as being dark shadow figures who typically like to lurk within ancient ruins.

Place where a shadow figure was spotted at the Chand Baori.
The furthest door to the right pictured here is where I personally saw a strange shadow figure in the digital screen of my camera.

Visiting the Haunted Chand Baori

Chand Baori is a sight not to be missed for any paranormal enthusiasts or lovers of history visiting India. It lies just a few hours drive outside of Jaipur in Rajasthan. The stepwell and palace are both unfortunately closed to the public but can be viewed from the safety of the ground level. This location is open seven days a week and will only be closed on major public holidays in India.

Chand Baori haunted horror place in India, Rajasthan.
Admiring the beauty of one of India’s most haunted places.

If you enjoyed this article, you might also find interest in the most haunted places in Delhi.

Thanks for reading!

xoxo

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About Amy

Amy is a world traveller and explorer of creepy locations. She has visited some of the most famously haunted places around the world in search of evidence of the paranormal. Follow Amy's Journey:

Comments (6)

  • Gordon Garvine

    Posted by Gordon Garvine on December 16, 2019

    Another Awesome Location Amy! Love your work

      Amy

      Posted by Amy on December 16, 2019

      Thank you so much, Gordon! I appreciate this.

  • david n chance

    Posted by david n chance on December 18, 2019

    i never knew of this step well till now !

      Amy

      Posted by Amy on December 18, 2019

      Thanks for the comment, David! So glad I could share this amazing place with you!

  • Indi

    Posted by Indi on September 19, 2020

    Never seen anything here. Been many times. Went right to the bottom during the day and night

      Amy

      Posted by Amy on October 13, 2020

      Maybe you need to open your third eye? Or perhaps the spirits were spooked?

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